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Sittingbourne yobs kicked out of town centre during Kent Police dispersal order

Yobs who were “verbally abusing and throwing items” at people in a town centre were moved as part of a dispersal order.

Nine troublemakers were kicked out of Sittingbourne town centre by the police over the weekend, as the force grapples with the area’s anti-social behaviour problem.

The top end of Sittingbourne High Street. Picture: Joe Crossley
The top end of Sittingbourne High Street. Picture: Joe Crossley

The enforcement began at 3pm on Friday (January 24) and ended at 3pm on Sunday (January 26).

It was put in place for the town centre and surrounding areas after residents and businesses raised their concerns.

KentOnline’s investigation highlighted the issues the town is facing following reports of McDonald’s staff being assaulted and youths causing havoc during the Christmas light switch-on.

Read here: ‘My night in ghost town centre - where youths run riot’

Most recently, on January 3, a group of youths were filmed “swearing, destroying things and harassing people” in the High Street.

A group of youths in Sittingbourne High Street were seen pulling the protection foam from scaffolding and trying to hit people with it. Picture: Matilda Johnson
A group of youths in Sittingbourne High Street were seen pulling the protection foam from scaffolding and trying to hit people with it. Picture: Matilda Johnson

The dispersal order meant anyone causing a nuisance and then instructed to leave could be arrested if they returned to the area.

Uniformed officers ensured a visible presence in locations around the High Street, shopping centre, retail park and railway station.

Of the people causing the disorder, eight were youths with the youngest being 14. The other person was a 35-year-old who was using threatening language at the train station.

Other incidents included teenagers shouting and swearing at members of the public in the High Street and in The Forum, where two boys were also reported to have been throwing items at people.

The people involved were told to leave the area, with some being watched by coppers getting on trains to leave the town.

Swale Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster outside Sittingbourne police station. Picture: Joe Crossley
Swale Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster outside Sittingbourne police station. Picture: Joe Crossley

Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster said while she is “pleased” there were no serious issues or arrests over the weekend, some “immediate action” was needed.

She added: “This included officers responding to reports of individuals who were verbally abusing and throwing items at passers-by.

“It was encouraging to hear from shop owners and employees, who were really supportive of our increased presence.

“I would like to reassure them that we will not hesitate to operate future dispersal orders, if necessary.

“Details of any children who were instructed to leave the area have also been passed to our Child Centred Policing Team and officers will be attending their homes and schools to speak to parents and teachers.”

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